Name:
Estradiol

Pregnancy Category X

Drug classes

Hormone

Estrogen

Therapeutic actions

Estradiol is the most potent endogenous female sex hormone. Estrogens
are
important in the development of the female reproductive system and
secondary sex characteristics; affect the release of pituitary
gonadotropins; cause capillary dilatation, fluid retention, protein
anabolism and thin cervical mucus; conserve calcium and phosphorus and
encourage bone formation; inhibit ovulation and prevent postpartum
breast
discomfort. They are responsible for the proliferation of the
endometrium; absence or decline of estrogen produces signs and
symptoms
of menopause on the uterus, vagina, breasts, cervix; efficacy as
palliation in male patients with androgen-dependent prostatic
carcinoma;
is attributable to their competition with androgens for receptor
sites,
thus decreasing the influence of androgens.